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Tax guidance and resources

Looking for advice on lowering your federal or state taxes? You’ve come to the right place. Plus, get news and advice related to tax brackets, property taxes, estate taxes and more.

Explore tax basics

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Do I have to file taxes? Here’s how to figure out if you should file a tax return

Taxes
A young woman inspects the clothes she is going to donate.

Donation value guide: Calculate the value of your donated items for your taxes

Taxes
What is the long-term capital gains tax?

What is the long-term capital gains tax?

Investing
A woman sitting at a table with her laptop open, looking at a calculator in her hand.

Standard deduction vs. itemized deduction: Pros, cons and how to decide

Taxes

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Latest articles

Small-business owner doing inventory in his boutique.
The Section 179 deduction and bonus depreciation both let businesses write off expenses quickly. Here’s what you need to know.
Pennsylvania Welcomes You road sign at the state border.
A growing number of states are moving to a flat tax system to collect income taxes. That can be good news for taxpayers, but there are potential downsides.
The entrance to a Social Security office in Houston, Texas.
Lawmakers have introduced a new bill that aims to permanently end taxes on Social Security benefits. High-income earners may not like it.
Man sitting at home, at his laptop, working on his finances.
These 10 tax credits and deductions can help you trim your tax bill and, in some cases, even boost your refund.
A family removes items from their home in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene on Sept. 30, 2024 in Old Fort, North Carolina.
When disaster strikes, taxes may be the last thing on your mind. But the casualty loss deduction can offer much-needed financial relief.
Hairdresser working on a client's hair in a salon.
New tax breaks on tip income and overtime pay go into effect this year. Event planners, hairdressers, handymen and Uber drivers are among those who qualify for no tax on tips.
Serious woman working on laptop.
In many cases, keeping tax records for three years is long enough, but there are a few exceptions.
Illustration of a clock with a post-it note on it that says "tax time!"
The Oct. 15 tax deadline is coming up fast for anyone who filed an extension. Here are 4 tips to help you get ready to file your tax return.
Head of household tax filing status: Here's how to see if you qualify
The head of household tax filing status can mean a lower tax bill vs. filing as a single taxpayer, but you need to make sure you qualify.
State tax rates
Wondering what your state tax rates are? Click on your state to find state income tax rates, sales tax rates and more.
Is alimony taxable
Sometimes alimony is taxable to the recipient and a tax deduction for the payer, but it depends on the date of your divorce.
EIN: What it is, how to get one
If you’re running a business, you’ll probably want to apply for an EIN, or employer identification number.
Property tax deduction: What it is, how it works
The property tax deduction can trim your taxable income by as much as $10,000, if you itemize your deductions.
What is the IRS, and what does it do
Since 1862, the IRS, in one form or another, has been responsible for collecting taxes in the U.S.
How to file your taxes for the first time
Filing taxes for the first time may seem daunting, but it’s usually fairly simple. Here’s what you need to know.
Here are 9 ways to pay your taxes online or offline.
If you owe money to the IRS, you have options for sending in that payment. Here are 9 ways to make a tax payment.
Pennsylvania Welcomes You road sign at the state border.
A growing number of states are moving to a flat tax system to collect income taxes. That can be good news for taxpayers, but there are potential downsides.
The entrance to a Social Security office in Houston, Texas.
Lawmakers have introduced a new bill that aims to permanently end taxes on Social Security benefits. High-income earners may not like it.
Hairdresser working on a client's hair in a salon.
New tax breaks on tip income and overtime pay go into effect this year. Event planners, hairdressers, handymen and Uber drivers are among those who qualify for no tax on tips.
Illustration of a clock with a post-it note on it that says "tax time!"
The Oct. 15 tax deadline is coming up fast for anyone who filed an extension. Here are 4 tips to help you get ready to file your tax return.
Mother picking up small daughter from school, embracing in front school building.
It’s back-to-school season, and expenses add up fast. These state and federal tax breaks can help.
Girl with braided hair writing in book while sitting at desk with students in classroom.
A new $1,700 tax credit will be available in 2027 for donations aimed at helping private school students.
Flower shop owner using digital tablet at counter.
The “big, beautiful bill” changed the reporting thresholds for 1099-Ks. Here’s what you should know if you get paid through Venmo, PayPal, Cash App or another payment app.
Illustration that shows a state highway sign with the words "income tax" and dollars floating in the sky around it.
Here are the 5 states with the highest income tax rates, and the 5 states with the lowest.